Interest in Iran Tours Rising Globally Despite Americans’ Fears

While the U.S. State Department has long issued strong advisories against traveling to Iran, leisure tourism from the U.S. and other countries has steadily grown in recent years. Now, however, angry rhetoric between the Trump administration and the Iranian government has some Americans reconsidering travel plans to Iran.

Despite the tensions, tour operators and travel mavens such as Rick Steves maintain that Iran is a safe and hospitable destination for travelers, Americans included. The available tours, which include everything from culinary themes to women-only sojourns, are intriguing options for travel advisors to recommend to clients looking for new cultural experiences.

Another emerging destination that has felt the impact of scary headlines is Sri Lanka, where tourism has taken a dive after the terrorist attacks in April. Now some travel advisors say interest in Sri Lanka looks to be getting back on track.

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— Maria Lenhart, Travel Advisor Editor

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Demand for Iran Tours Rising Despite U.S. Falloff: As antagonism intensifies between the Trump administration and Iran, some American tourists are rethinking plans to visit the country. Barring the start of military activity, tour operators say Iran is a safe and hospitable destination even for U.S. visitors.

Travel Advisors Sell Sri Lanka Again Thanks to Downgraded Warnings: Tourism to Sri Lanka was riding high until the Easter massacre all but shut it down. Now that foreign governments are scaling back their travel warnings, some travel advisors are again pushing the destination, hoping that tourism will help get the country back on its feet.

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Skift Travel Advisor Editor Maria Lenhart [mbl@skift.com] curates the Skift Travel Advisor Innovation Report. Skift emails the newsletter every Tuesday. Have a story idea? Or a juicy news tip? Want to share a memo? Send her an email.